America's Cup- Emirates Team NZ's AC72 by night at the Viaduct Harbour

Emirates Team NZ's AC72 was dropped into the Waitemata Harbour for the first time and towed to the pier off the Events Centre in Auckland's Viaduct Harbour, which will be the venue for the official launching of their AC72 - the first launched in the world.

The highlight of the ceremony which begins at 5.30 will be the launching of a giant catapult containing the bottle of champagne, which if all goes to plan will shower the boat below.

The public will be invited to load the catapult which will be triggered by Mandy Barker, wife of the AC72's skipper, Dean Barker.

The Prime Minister of New Zealand, John Key, will be amongst the official guests and will make a short speech at the ceremony.

First sail for the the AC72 is not now expected until later next week, due to the fresh onshore winds which are expected to extend well into the coming week.